Hyperlite Mountain Gear & NOLS Announce Scholarship

March 11, 2025

The scholarship will provide an opportunity to experience a NOLS lightweight backpacking course

Lander, Wyo. – March 11, 2025 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Hyperlite Mountain Gear and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) have partnered to offer a scholarship that will provide an experience to participate in a NOLS lightweight backpacking course this summer. The application period opens today and will close on April 11, 2025. The recipient will be chosen by early May.

The Hyperlite Scholarship is a collective effort to raise awareness of lightweight backpacking courses offered by NOLS and the reintroduction of this specialty course after being absent from the curriculum the past few years. The need-based scholarship is designed to increase access for someone eager to learn about lightweight backpacking and to set them up with the gear they need for their adventures.

“At Hyperlite Mountain Gear, we believe that lightweight outdoor gear built with modern, durable, and waterproof materials allows backpackers to shift their focus to the places they discover and explore, feel confident, and have more fun,” shared Mike St. Pierre, CEO and Founder of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. “Coupled with the proven instruction and comprehensive skills that NOLS provides its students, we can’t think of a better way to set someone up for success wherever they choose to adventure. We’re thrilled to work alongside NOLS to make this scholarship happen.”

NOLS has a strong reputation for extended backcountry expeditions and traditionally heavy backpacks. With the reintroduction of its lightweight program, it will offer the same high-quality expeditions, focusing on optimizing gear, reducing weight, and thinking more efficiently. The newly introduced lightweight backpacking courses in Wyoming and Utah aim to boost participants’ competence and confidence with lightweight systems.

“Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s focus on utility, reliability, and versatility fits perfectly with the NOLS expedition approach,” stated Jeremy Cronon, NOLS Director of Partnerships. “Their packs have become a favorite among our instructors for their durability on demanding courses. As we relaunch our Lightweight Backpacking Program, we couldn’t be more excited to have Hyperlite as a true collaborator. Through this scholarship, we aim to expand access to the skills and gear that enable transformative adventures in remote places.”

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About NOLS

Founded in 1965 in a small cabin in Sinks Canyon, Wyoming, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help individuals step forward boldly as leaders. We believe that anyone can be a leader; it’s our role to provide the environment and training to help them discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and remote wilderness areas worldwide. The scope of NOLS’ mission and impact is broad, with 14 campuses across six countries and educational opportunities worldwide. The school enrolls over 28,000 students and employs over 1,000 full-time and part-time staff and instructors with an annual budget of approximately $40 million in a typical year. NOLS currently has more than 360,000 active alumni. For more information, visit nols.edu | @nolsedu | 800.710.6657

About Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Hyperlite Mountain Gear was established in Biddeford, Maine, in 2009. Using advanced materials and leaning into a rigorous testing regimen with top athletes and adventurers, they design backpacks, shelters and tents, sleep systems, and organizational accessories, with manufacturing taking place at their facility in Mexico. With the simple goal of providing “A better backcountry experience,” their products are known the world over for striking the optimal balance of weight, durability, and water resistance to create the most efficient, versatile, and reliable backcountry gear. Learn more at www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

MEDIA CONTACTS

NOLS

Kelli Lusk

Communications Director

208.309.3793 | kelli_lusk@nols.edu